Toyota GR HV SPORTS concept at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show - Live

As promised, Toyota Motor Corporation took the wraps off the GR HV SPORTS concept at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show today. Marketed under Toyota's new GR Performance Line, the concept is basically a GT 86 with a hybrid powertrain, restyled fascia and an interesting automatic gearbox.

Eagle-eyed enthusiasts can catch some of the styling elements it shares with the GT 86, but the front-end draws inspiration from the Toyota Gazoo Racing's TS050 Hybrid WEC racecar. It features LED headlights, aluminium wheels, and a rear diffuser similar to the LMP1 racer. Also, a highlight is the Targa top inspired by Toyota's legendary Sports 800 (a.k.a. Yotahachi) and the Supra. The whole exterior is finished in matte black in a bid to "express power and aggressiveness".

Now although the GR HV SPORTS concept is an automatic, we were surprised to see a regular H-pattern gear lever. Apparently, switching the gearbox to manual lets you shift through gears like a regular manual box, but without needing a clutch. It's similar to steering-mounted paddle-shifters.

Toyota hasn't revealed any technical details or performance numbers of the GR HV SPORTS concept. They've only stated that it's powered by THS-R (Toyota Hybrid System-Racing) that combines a front-mounted IC engine with an electric motor at the back, with a battery pack in the middle.